Introduction
The “AI Futures” Hackathon, organized by the Laney College AI Department in collaboration with the Bay Area AI Center of Excellence (BAAICOE), is a dynamic event designed to cultivate emerging AI talent and drive innovation in our community.
This 48-hour in-person hackathon will empower participants to develop AI-based solutions for pressing real-world challenges. We invite you to participate with us in this impactful event and help shape the future of AI.
Hackathon Details
The “AI Futures” Hackathon will be held at Laney College on June 7th and 8th. Participants will
collaborate in teams to develop solutions within the following challenge areas:
- Empowering Local Communities: Developing business solutions that directly benefit underserved populations and address specific community needs.
- Transforming Education: Exploring AI’s potential to revolutionize learning, personalize education, and improve accessibility for all students.
- Advancing Healthcare: Creating innovative AI applications to improve patient outcomes, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and optimize healthcare delivery.
- Pioneering Autonomous Systems: Designing and developing cutting-edge AI solutions for the next generation of automation, including but not limited to, applications in robotics, transportation, and environmental monitoring.
The primary goals of the “AI Futures” Hackathon are to:
- Drive Innovation for Community Impact: Provide a collaborative platform for participants to develop AI-driven solutions that address real-world challenges faced by local communities.
- Foster AI Talent Development: Empower participants to enhance their AI skills through handson experience, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities, preparing them for future careers in this rapidly evolving field. Participants will have access to workshops and mentorship from industry professionals throughout the event.
- Build a Stronger AI Community: Connect students, educators, industry professionals, and community members to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Judging Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Impact and Application:
- Description: How significantly does the solution address a relevant problem and improve quality of life? A great project starts with a great impact.
- Examples: Solutions that address food insecurity, provide access to essential services, or improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Evaluation: Does the project have a feasible application in the real world? Is it something that someone could use or that would have a tangible benefit?
- Creativity and Innovation:
- Description: How unique and novel is the idea?
- Examples: Solutions that leverage AI in new ways, propose original approaches to existing problems, or demonstrate out-of-the-box thinking.
- Evaluation: Has this been done before, or is it a new idea? Does the project use creativity to brainstorm a new solution, or is it simply replicating an existing one?
- Technical Sophistication and Innovation:
- Description: The advanced nature of the technologies and frameworks used in the project.
- Examples: Use of cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, novel applications of AI, or integration of advanced software engineering practices.
- Evaluation: Does the project utilize any cutting-edge technologies or methodologies? How well does the code adhere to best practices in software development? Does the team display a strong understanding of the technology used?
- Professionalism and User Experience:
- Description: The overall design, usability, and presentation of the project.
- Examples: A well-designed user interface, intuitive navigation, and a polished presentation.
- Evaluation: Does the project include industry-grade UI and UX elements? Is it easy to navigate for a first-time user?
- Functionality and Quality:
- Description: The extent to which the project works as intended and is free of errors.
- Examples: A fully functional application, a robust codebase, and a seamless user experience.
- Evaluation: Is the project free of major bugs? Does it look appealing?
- Presentation:
- Description: The clarity, organization, and persuasiveness of the team’s presentation of their project.
- Examples: A well-structured pitch, clear communication of the problem and solution, and effective use of visual aids.
- Evaluation: How effectively did the team communicate the value and functionality of their project to the judges?
- Ethical Considerations:
- Description: The extent to which the project considers and addresses potential ethical implications.
- Examples: Consideration of data privacy, bias in algorithms, and responsible use of AI.
- Evaluation: Does the project demonstrate an awareness of the ethical considerations related to AI development and deployment?
- Group participation will be in teams of 2 to 4 members, comprising a mix of high school, community college, and university students, as well as other participants. Each group can select a project relevant to the focused areas mentioned above.
Submission Requirements
- Submit your hack by 11:00 AM on June 8th.
- Include an image of your project and a link to the GitHub repository for any code.
- Include the table number you’re presenting from and the Hacker ID of one team member.
- Previous projects are not allowed.
Prizes (To be updated before registration opens)
- Grand Prize: $5,000
- 2nd Place: $3,000
- 3rd Place: $1,000
- 4th Place: $500
- 5th Place: Gift Cards
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